Port of Santander

The city of Santander is the capital of the autonomous province of Cantabria, situated on the north coast of Spain. Having crossed one of the most beautiful bays in the world, cruise goers arriving in Santander pass through the Passenger Terminal located in the very heart of a city that offers much to be discovered.

Coastal City

Mainly due to its coastal location, Santander enjoys an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It is situated on a peninsula facing the Cantabrian Sea and surrounded by the bay and cliffs. The beaches are perhaps its best-known natural feature. Five kilometres of meandering coastline reveal a diverse collection of small and large sandy stretches; some with calm waters and sheltered from the wind; and others facing the open sea, with more of a swell. Close by, green areas of great beauty reach down to the coast. There are many interesting stores at the Cuatro Caminos and in the district bordering the Ayuntamiento. The Palacio de Festivales and numerous galleries also await the visitor, as does a prestigious and varied cuisine. Top quality ingredients are masterfully combined to create exquisite dishes that are becoming ever more popular;seafood, fish, meat, fresh vegetables, cheeses and desserts. Traditional stews and cutting edge cuisine come together to make up Cantabria’s great culinary heritage.

Altamira, the „Sixtine Chapel of paleolithic art“

The Altamira cave paintings are undoubtedly the most important treasure in the historical and artistic heritage of Cantabria. The paintings - bison, deer, horses and boars, painted by a brilliant primitive artist some 14.000 years ago - are „one of the fundamental examples of universal Paleolithic art.“ It is part of the UNECSO world heritage since 1985.

Destination Highlights

• El Sardinero
• Cábarceno Nature Park
• Elsedo Palace
• Altamira
• Soplao